The List

5 Best French Bistros in San Francisco

Chapeau!

Frites, mussels and crêpes – these are a few of our favorite things. If you're looking to celebrate Bastille Day (or any other day) with some oh-so-French chow, consider these choice options from our Top Bistros list.And if you don't see your favorite, go give it some voting love.

Chapeau!

126 Clement St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves.)

Phone:
415-750-9787;

Reserve Online

FoodDecorServiceCost
26
20
25
$53
Key to Ratings
“Très charmant”, this “unpretentious” bistro “has not missed a beat since moving” to its more “upscale” Inner Richmond digs where diners drink and “eat like a French king” while finding “exceptional value” (particularly when ordering the “early-bird” and “weekday prix fixes”); “oui, oui”, it’s still a “little noisy” and “cramped”, but the hardworking “monsieur le proprietor” (a real “hoot”) and his “terrific” wife “ensure” everyone leaves “happy” with a “firm handshake or a kiss on both cheeks” and “a visit worthy of an exclamation point.”

Chez Spencer

82 14th St. (bet. Folsom & Harrison Sts.)

Phone:
415-864-2191;

Reserve Online

FoodDecorServiceCost
25
23
23
$58
Key to Ratings
“Definitely not a formula restaurant”, this French “gem” in a “converted warehouse” on a somewhat “sketchy” stretch in the Mission is “hidden” where “you would least expect” to find such a “fabulous” dinner and Sunday brunch spot filled with diners who “actually dress up”; it’s a “perfect” “romantic” perch for a “cutting-edge date”, and though “pricey”, the “über-hip” “party” vibe and “impeccable service” make it “special”; P.S. Spencer on the Go!, its mobile spin-off, parks Wednesday–Saturday at the corner of Folsom and Seventh Streets.

Fringale

570 Fourth St. (bet. Brannan & Freelon Sts.)

Phone:
415-543-0573;

Reserve Online

FoodDecorServiceCost
24
18
22
$52
Key to Ratings
“Still going strong” after 20 years, this “delightful” bistro in SoMa “never ceases to amaze” by proffering a “fantastic selection” of “authentic” Gallic goods “with a Basque twist” paired with “perfectly matched wines”; the “cramped quarters” (and tables that are nearly “on top of each other”) may discourage “confidential conversations”, but the “friendly” staff with a “thick French accent” and “reasonable prices” mean most take away “happy memories.”

Chez Papa Bistrot

1401 18th St. (Missouri St.)

Phone:
415-824-8205;

Reserve Online

FoodDecorServiceCost
23
18
21
$42
Key to Ratings
“All the elements of an imaginary escape back to Paris” are in evidence at this “cute” “neighborhood bistrot” “tucked away on Potrero Hill” – “tight quarters”, “lively atmosphere”, “rich” “classics” like “your French aunt would make” and waiters with whom you can “practice your” français; they’re skilled “at packing in the guests” and it gets “very noisy”, but fans don’t mind for a “bit of ooh-la-la” at “fair prices”; P.S. no longer related to Chez Papa Resto.

Le P'tit Laurent

699 Chenery St. (Diamond St.)

Phone:
415-334-3235;
FoodDecorServiceCost
23
19
23
$39
Key to Ratings
Glen Park Francophiles feel “lucky” to “live in the neighborhood” thanks to this “utterly charming” bistro where the “congenial” host is the owner, Laurent, himself; the “small” size means you’ll “get to know” those near you “whether you want to or not”, but the “cramped” quarters don’t deter devotees, who are “always pleased” with the “generous portions” of “authentic” French fare, “lovely wine list” and “bargain” prix fixe menu (“what a deal” when dining Sunday–Thursday).
Posted on July 13, 2011 10:39
Tags: Chapeau, Chez Papa Bistrot, Chez Spencer, Fringale, Le P'tit Laurent

2 Comments

  • Premium Member

FLUER DE LYS ??????????????????

Published July 14, 2011

I vote for Bistro Central Parc. Delicious food, extremely warm welcome from the staff, and very pretty. at Central and Grove

Published July 14, 2011

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